Germany has 50,000 reasons to help Opel

German Economics Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said he would discuss the future of carmaker Opel with U.S. officials.

Opel has asked the government to step in with emergency funding. But, the government has been cautious, fearing German taxpayer money could end up in the United States, as Opel is owned by U.S. automaker General Motors Corp., the Financial Times reported Monday.

One proposal under consideration is for Opel and Vauxhall brands, both owned by GM, to be transferred to a new holding company open to outside investors, the Financial Times said.

While cautious about helping the company, the government may step in to save Opel’s 50,000 jobs during an election year, the Financial Times said.